Page 12 - UD Research Magazine Vol5-No1

A STAR is beginning to shine at the University of Delaware. The Science, Technology and Advanced Research Campus
is taking shape as a center for innovation, and companies are taking notice. . . .
SevOne, a fast-growing software firm that allows businesses to monitor and analyze their networks, is moving its operations to STAR Campus. The company announced in February that it expects to add 200 employees to its rolls this year, many in Delaware, to bring its total workforce to about 600 people.
Founded by two UD alumni—Vess Bakalov, who received his degree in computer science, and Tanya Bakalov, a graduate in management information— SevOne gives clients a comprehensive view of their networks and applications to ensure efficient traffic flow and uninterrupted business operations.
The company draws its name from the term used for the most critical threats to any system— “severity one.”
Among its clients are firms with massive tele- communications networks—such as Verizon—and smaller firms that simply want expert eyes review- ing their operations to ensure all systems are “go.”
SevOne’s applications give companies real-time data on their networks, including traffic and usage. It provides layers of service, from basic monitoring to detailed metrics, depending on the client’s need.
Real-time analysis of that data—including cloud-based activity—helps companies identify chokepoints, troubleshoot problems quickly and prevent service interruptions.
From its earliest days, SevOne has hired UD alumni and provided many interns with opportuni- ties to use and develop engineering and software development skills.
It drew $150 million in support, led by Bain Capital, a few years ago and has seen impressive business growth, recently reporting a 61 percent increase in annual revenue—from $39.5 million to $64.5 million.
In addition to its STAR Campus headquarters, SevOne has offices in Philadelphia and Boston and a growing global footprint that now includes London, Hong Kong and Moscow.—Beth Miller
A VISION TAKES SHAPE
UD purchased the 272- acre site for the Science, Technology and Advanced Research Campus in late 2009 after Chrysler ceased manufacturing there. Since then, STAR Campus has steadily been taking shape as an innovation center. Through public and private partnerships, UD seeks to develop STAR Campus to provide educational and professional opportunities for students while igniting economic growth.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Bloom Energy located its first East Coast manufacturing facility on STAR Campus in 2013.The company makes Bloom Energy Servers, which use solid oxide fuel cell technology to convert fuel to electricity through an electro- chemical reaction rather than combustion. The company reportedly plans to hire 900 people by 2016.
10 | UD RESEARCH
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
With home-grown technology, UD researchers showed the world in 2013 that an electric car can plug in and sell battery storage back to the power grid. Studies continue with a test fleet of Mini-Coopers.